ComplaintsforWyzAnt.com

• Initial Complaint

  07/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  During the application process with Wyzant, I purchased a background check despite having adequate state and federal checks and clearances. I "passed" but was notified 24 hours later that my application was rejected? As far as I was aware, I was not applying, but completing a profile. I feel that wyzant intentionally obfuscated to procedure around their profile completion procedure to encourage the purchase of background checks.The immediate deactivation of the profile is suspicious to me, as I now can not share screenshots of the process involved in completing the profile and how the background checks were part of a simple step in completing a profile (NOT applying with conditions that all information will be deleted if they feel like it). I want an immediate refund of the background check.

  Business response

  07/29/2024

  In looking into this situation, it appears that this user has been in contact with **********************'s Customer Support Team and this matter has been resolved.  If this user has further questions or needs additional assistance, they are encouraged to follow up with Customer Support.

• Initial Complaint

  07/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to file a formal complaint against WyzAnt.com, a tutoring platform that I have been associated with for over a decade. During my tenure with WyzAnt, I have encountered numerous unethical and potentially illegal practices that warrant serious attention.Discriminatory Fee Structure WyzAnt.com charges tutors different scales of fees for the same service. For example, I charge $125 per hour for my tutoring services, and WyzAnt takes 25% of my rate. Additionally, they impose an extra fee on the client on top of the $125 per hour. Conversely, they also take 25% from a tutor charging $20 per hour for the exact same service. This fee structure is not only inconsistent but also unfair and discriminatory.Unauthorized Recording of Sessions WyzAnt allows students to record tutoring sessions without the tutor's consent. This practice is a blatant violation of privacy and confidentiality, undermining the trust and security that should be inherent in the tutor-student relationship. After ***** years of dedicated service, WyzAnt abruptly deleted my account, blocking me from accessing my dedicated students, financial records, and intellectual properties, including video and written lessons. This action has severely impacted my livelihood and prevented me from continuing my primary source of income.Violation of 1099 Contract Laws WyzAnt forces tutors to exclusively work on their platform, threatening to block them from finding students elsewhere. This practice violates 1099 independent contractor laws, which prohibit employers from exerting such control over contractors. Furthermore, they illegally monitor confidential sessions with students and use this information to justify terminating accounts. By banning me from accessing my financial records, WyzAnt has hindered my ability to file for unemployment or seek alternative employment. I am unable to provide evidence of my earnings and work history due to their restrictive practices.

  Business response

  07/24/2024

  Please see Wyzant's response in line with each of the user's allegations below:

  *Discriminatory Fee Structure WyzAnt.com charges tutors different scales of fees for the same service. For example, I charge $125 per hour for my tutoring services, and WyzAnt takes 25% of my rate. Additionally, they impose an extra fee on the client on top of the $125 per hour. Conversely, they also take 25% from a tutor charging $20 per hour for the exact same service. This fee structure is not only inconsistent but also unfair and discriminatory. 
  

  -Per Wyzants Terms of Use and Payment Policies, which tutors agree to when joining the site, all tutors are charged a flat 25% platform fee.  As independent contractors, tutors determine and set their own hourly rates, thereby controlling the tutors individual earning amount for tutoring. 

  Unauthorized Recording of Sessions WyzAnt allows students to record tutoring sessions without the tutor's consent. This practice is a blatant violation of privacy and confidentiality, undermining the trust and security that should be inherent in the tutor-student relationship. 

  -In order for a ****** to be recorded, both the student and the tutor must provide consent via their respective accounts.  If one party does not consent, then the ****** is not recorded.  Additionally, recorded ******s are deleted after 30 days and are no longer available to users.

  *After ***** years of dedicated service, WyzAnt abruptly deleted my account, blocking me from accessing my dedicated students, financial records, and intellectual properties, including video and written ******s. This action has severely impacted my livelihood and prevented me from continuing my primary source of income. 

  -This user violated *********************** Terms of Use and Independent Tutor Agreement, which was acknowledged in written communication via Wyzants site and to Wyzant directly. This resulted in the removal of this users account.

  *Violation of 1099 Contract Laws WyzAnt forces tutors to exclusively work on their platform, threatening to block them from finding students elsewhere. This practice violates 1099 independent contractor laws, which prohibit employers from exerting such control over contractors. 

  -Per Wyzants Independent Tutor Agreement, which is signed by each tutor when joining the site: For avoidance of doubt, during the term of this Agreement, Independent Tutor shall at all times be free to engage in any other work or business, whether or not related to tutoring or other instruction, and whether or not such other work is full-time, part-time, piecemeal, or pursuant to any other scheduling arrangement. Nothing herein precludes Independent Tutor from advertising or providing ****************** services to the general public.

  *Furthermore, they illegally monitor confidential sessions with students and use this information to justify terminating accounts. 

  -Wyzants Terms of Use allow for the use of information submitted to Wyzant.com in order to conduct business, improve the site and ensure appropriate use of the marketplace.  

  *By banning me from accessing my financial records, WyzAnt has hindered my ability to file for unemployment or seek alternative employment. I am unable to provide evidence of my earnings and work history due to their restrictive practices.

  -Wyzant will provide copies of this users payment and tax records via email for reference and use.
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I booked a one hour tutoring session with one of the tutors on Wyzant. The session barely lasted 15 minutes as the tutor was abrasive and incompetent. He didn't understand how to help me and instead said he would send me an article. I told him I was paying for tutoring not for him to send me a document on how to get help. I ended the session and reached out to Wyzant who informed me that my first hour was covered by their Good Fit Guarantee policy and that I would get a refund. I was charged and no refund was issued. I reached out to Wyzant advising them that I was charged and expected them to stand by their Good Fit Guarantee policy but they have been non-responsive.

  Business response

  07/02/2024

  This user was in contact with **********************'s Customer Support Team, who has responded in order to assist with this issue.  Given the user's statement of the problem, ********************** believes this situation to be satisfactorily resolved. If this user needs further assistance or has questions, they are encouraged to reach back out to the Customer Support Team.

  Customer response

  07/02/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  05/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I applied to tutor on Wyzant.com. I completed my application and paid for a voluntary background check. The background check came back spotless and the application was completed to their standards. They refused employment, which is fine, but theyve also declined to provide a copy of or refund my background check. They proceeded to disable my account with them so I cant access the information I paid for. Its not even about the money, this company is garbage. Their website doesnt work correctly for tutors, their requirements are vague at best, and their customer service leaves much to be desired.

  Business response

  05/09/2024

  This user contacted ********************** Customer Support, who followed up to provide information and work to resolve this issue.  To clarify, if application requirements are not initially met, Wyzant reserves the right not to approve the submitted information. Wyzant hopes this matter has been resolved satisfactorily, but if this user has any additional questions or issues, they are encouraged to follow up with Customer Support accordingly.

  Customer response

  05/09/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am filing this BBB complaint against Wyzant for the following reasons:Wyzant closed my account that is associated to the email of *********************** because a tutor reported me as fake and spamming.I was not spamming anyone.I recall sending this tutor some Math problems I needed help with. She agreed to meet with me for two hours.I went on during my scheduled time.She asked how can she assist. I asked if she wanted me to share my screen. She did not answer. I waited several of minutes later and disconnected the session due to no response from the tutor.After I disconnected, and she started messaging me letting me know she was going to report me. She also said no wonder why the prior tutor did not want to work with. That was actually not true at all.The prior tutor was only available for one hour sessions, not two hours. I was running out of time to get my work done. The prior tutor suggested I might want to try the work on my own which I could not because of the difficulty OR I can try getting help from another tutor who might be able to meet longer than an hour.And than Wyzant closed my account for no reason at all. I tried reporting the tutor as well and nothing happens. I also sent an email to explain this as well and they refused to reopen my account.

  Business response

  05/08/2024

  This users account was closed in accordance with Wyzants Terms of Use.  Wyzant reserves the right to remove a users account if a violation of the Terms of Use occurs. Communication in this regard was sent to the user at the time of the account closure.
  
  

  Customer response

  05/08/2024

   
  Complaint: 21602490
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Terms of Use was NOT violated. They say the Terms of Use were violated just as an excuse to close accounts. That is a 100% fact.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I have attempted several times to search and hire a tutor from Wyzant. I have communicated to all the tutors I have selected for vetting purposes and for the purpose of finding a good fit. I have never had any academic ******s with anyone. Earlier this week I contacted Wyzant about a charge from **************** I communicated the meet was for an introducing of ourselves and to find if she would be able to assist in my Social science. She stated that the field of my career is not in her expertise. She stated she could help in other areas. Wyzant froze my account and I had no further communication due to a locked account.. I was charge for ****** session which never took place. After contacting Wyzant, today I was told by Wyzant that a good fit credit was given for the class, hich I never had and as a reminder I am not to continue with **************** I agreed. Later ****, Wyzant allowed **************** again to charge my card $103.55 for a ******, which I was unable to communicate, lost time of the meeting and I had already communicated I would no longer pursue a ****** with **************** They should have communicated this to the tutor since my account was frozen, also they should have blocked any charges. I am requesting a full return of my credit and the lastest charge.. This platform allows any tutor to lie and cheat for any reason on the grounds of ******s. Which I have never had any at any time." here is a message from Wyzant as proof- Customer Support *************************** 4, 2024, 1:29PM CDT Hi ******, Thank you for calling us yesterday. I went ahead and applied our Good Fit Guarantee to the ****** with **************** As you said you would not be moving forward with this tutor. This Guarantee provides students with a refund of the first hour of their first ****** with a tutor if they are not satisfied with that tutor after that first ******. You now have a credit of $25.89 on your account to use towards a ****** with another tutor of your choice.

  Business response

  04/17/2024

  The referenced charge is a cancellation fee submitted by this user's tutor in response to a missed lesson.  The tutors listed with Wyzant run their own independent businesses and are able to charge cancellation fees if a student does not comply with their cancellation policy.  That said, Wyzant Customer Support has been in contact with this user in an effort to resolve this issue.

  Customer response

  04/19/2024

   
  Complaint: 21533873
  
  I am rejecting this response because: It is miss leading, no class was missed.  My account was locked pending a dispute I put against false claims stating I had a previous ******* which I never had a ****** at any time.  When the ****** time was due Wyzant locked my account.  No communication nor sessions can be done.  Additionally, her the tutor committed to 30 min ****** not an hour.  I never agreed for Wyzant to charge me fees additional to tutors fees.  Te tutors are 1099, however, they are employees and Want uses the 1099 for IRS tax breaks, students are out sourced and tutors can be fired. That is not independent, by contract student ca not leave the platform to there selected tutors.  Wyzant is false, has bad business ethnics.  As of now, one contact was made, however, I have not seen any resolution. They charged me while the account was locked, granted me a good fit promise based no not continuing with that tutor.  They knew this and they process the charge the tutors have no way to charge just invoice.  Wyzant stated they would refund, however, that has never happened nor is there anymore contact.
  
  Sincerely,

  J Doald

  Business response

  05/01/2024

  Wyzant has been in communication with this user, most recently on April 18th regarding a refund and resolution.  There has has been no follow up from this user since that time regarding this matter.  If there are continued issues or questions, this user is encouraged to follow up with **********************'s Customer Support Team so further assistance can be provided.  Additionally, in clarification, the tutors listed on Wyzant's marketplace are not employees, but rather independent contractors.  Both students and tutors are able to discontinue lessons and cease use of the the platform at any time.  

• Initial Complaint

  03/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I created a tutor profile with Wyzant and spent several hours passing their various skills tests and building my profile. They sent one communication asking me to lengthen my introduction, which I immediately did. Then about a week later, they sent another message indicating that they were rejecting my application to be represented by them and closing my account, based on section 18a of their agreement, which states that tutors will follow all their requirements. (I did). I contacted them asking for more info as to why I was being rejected (as Im a teacher with years of experience and there is no earthly reason why they should reject me), and they responded that they could not provide further info but Im welcome to reapply in six months.

  Business response

  03/05/2024

  Tutors have a limited number of opportunities to provide qualification information and submit their profile for consideration. In this situation, the information provided did not meet Wyzant's vetting requirements and as a result, Wyzant is unable to list a profile at this time.  This tutor is welcome to contact Wyzant in six months, at which time an additional opportunity to submit an application for consideration may be possible.  Wyzant reserves the right not to list the services of any individual, per the Terms of Use.
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On January 5, ****, I interviewed several tutors on the site. One tutor indicated that he took the exam in 2017 and that was too far for me. I stopped responding to him and he charged my credit card $327 for a meeting that I never confirmed. Moreover, his price was $135, so I have no clue where the $327 came from.I contacted the company and never received a response.Another tutor charged me $200, for a very basic lazy tutoring service that wasn't 60 minutes. Moreover, the tutor used predatory behaviors-- he kept repeating my statements to draw the time out. He didn't help me at all. I contacted the company about their tutor guarantee, and I haven't received a response.

  Business response

  01/22/2024

  This student has been in contact with Wyzant's Customer Support Team to resolve the outlined matters, the details of which are not accurately outlined in the complaint.  To clarify, Wyzant tutors are able to assess a cancellation fee if a student does not attend a ****** as confirmed and Wyzant also has a Good Fit Guarantee which covers the first hour with any tutor if the ****** is not deemed a good fit.  Wyzant has worked with this student to come to a satisfactory resolution, per its terms and conditions.

  Customer response

  01/22/2024

   
  Complaint: 21116234
  
  I am rejecting this response because: all of my statements were true and correct. The business has some underhanded policies and procedures. I received a refund after several e-mails and the last email to the company outlined the illegal practices. I also advised them that a lawsuit would be filed to recover the funds.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  12/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On October 30, my daughter received online tutoring through Wyzant. I attempted to pay for the service and my credit card was charged 3 times. I continued to receive emails that my balance is not paid for several weeks, I contacted them, and they stated the balance was not paid. I tried a different credit card, and that card is now charged, but I'm still receiving emails that I owe and will be sent to the collections. I've tried calling them and no one answers the phone. They're support does respond by email just to say I still owe money even though I've paid four times.

  Business response

  12/22/2023

  Wyzant's Customer Support Team has been in ongoing communication with this student to provide details regarding this situation and to assist with a resolution.  Wyzant is available by phone and contact hours have been provided to this student to reach out her convenience.  Wyzant will follow up with the student in a continued effort to assist.

  Customer response

  12/28/2023

   
  Complaint: 21032888
  
  I am rejecting this response because Wyzant is still claiming that a payment was not made.  They contacted me after BBB contacted them.  I responded with proof of payment which was my bank statements showing that I not only paid,but was charged several times for the service.  They now owe me money and a reimbursement, but I continue to get system generated messages that I owe and will be sent to credit agency.   This issue is not resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************************

  Business response

  01/08/2024

  Wyzant has been in communication with this student and has recently obtained additional information.  Wyzant is looking into this matter further and will follow up with this student as soon as clarification is received internally.  Wyzant hopes to reach a satisfactory resolution in this matter, but requires time to complete additional investigation.

• Initial Complaint

  12/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I applied to act as a freelance English tutor on the Wyzant.com platform. I was rejected. However, Wyzant posted my tutor introduction video on their ******* page for Tutor Spotlights, alleging I am an active tutor connected with their online services. I would have liked to have been highlighted and also a tutor at Wyzant, but they rejected me because they don't consider the possibility of using professionals as tutors (they don't innovate). Now, Wyzant is using my image, likeness, voice, and possibly IP, against my authority as I never consented to them using my video without remuneration, for Wyzant's, and solely Wyzant's, financial benefit or gain. This is a misappropriation violation. I have made it clear to Wyzant that I expect my video to be removed from their ******* channel and all other platforms and social media they touch or have control over, yet they have done nothing to comply.

  Business response

  12/12/2023

  When ************** initially submitted a tutor application, the provided qualifications and information did not meet the outlined standards and as a result, it was not approved.  At that time, ************** was told she would be eligible to reapply after 6 months if desired, which she opted not to do. 
  
  ************** contacted Wyzant's Customer Support Team regarding this matter approximately 48 hours prior to the submission of this complaint. Given expected processing and response times, the referenced video has now been removed as requested.

  Customer response

  12/12/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

  Thank you so much for your assistance with this matter, it has been resolved as of this morning. Much appreciated.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩